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www.spec.com.au Data points to high risk of collisions with animals RACV Insurance claims data has revealed the worst areas for collisions with animals in Victoria’s South West region. Roads in Southern Grampians Shire have the highest risk for collisions with animals, according to the RACV figures, followed by Glenelg Shire and the City of Greater Geelong. RACV general manager insurance Paul Northey said that the number of insurance claims relating to collisions between vehicles and animals across Victoria decreased by 3.5 per cent to 4561 compared to the previous year. “We know that wild animals are generally most active at dawn and dusk and not surprisingly the majority of collisions involving kangaroos occurring around 6am, while wombat incidents peaked at 9pm,” he said. “The data also showed that collisions could happen at any time during the year, although there was a large spike in the number of collisions involving wombats in August. “Continuing the trend from previous years, kangaroos were the most common animal involved in collisions, accounting for 79 per cent of RACV animal collision claims in 2014. “Wombats overtook dogs as the second most common animal involved in collision claims.” Mr Northey said motorists should always be on the lookout for animals and be aware that kangaroos are increasingly found in HAMILTON SPECTATOR Saturday September 5 2015 21 Hope through Open Doors MOST people in the West would be surprised by the answer to the question: who are the most persecuted people in the world? According to the International Society for Human Rights, a secular group with members in 38 states worldwide, 80 per cent of all acts of religious discrimination in the world today are directed at Christians. Dr Natasha Moore, a research fellow at the centre for Public Christianity, commented of the situation in northern Iraq saying: “A minority group has their homes painted with an ominous symbol. They are told to leave or be killed; their belongings are confiscated at outgoing checkpoints; they are raped or shot even as they try to flee. Ancient cultural sites are blown up. Those who object, even those belonging to the majority group, face harassment and even execution.” That minority group is the Christians. Christians are persecuted in 139 nations around the world; it is estimated that up to four out of five acts of religious discrimination world-wide are directed against them. The Centre for the Study of Global Christianity in the United States estimates that 100,000 Christians now die every year, targeted because of their faith … that is 11 every hour. To live as a Christian in some countries, particularly in the Middle East, can be quite precarious. To become a Christian from outside the Christian community can be fatal. To make such a move is not so much about courage as it is about faith, or more specifically the object of one’s faith … God. In areas of Syria and Iraq that are controlled by Daesh, Christian communities have been devastated. Yet Christians hang in there and offer support to their neighbours from the majority religion because they feel called to be the hands and feet of Jesus. One organisation that is supporting these Christians is Open Doors. This is an interdenominational agency working in 60 countries. It was started by a Dutch man, Brother Andrew, in 1955 when he travelled to Poland and discovered that there was a desperate need for Bibles. Since then the organisation has grown so that Christians in some of the most dangerous places on earth are supported through Open Doors. Brother Andrew was knighted by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands in 1994. In the last couple of years the Middle East has become the focus of a large part of the work of Open Doors. The conflicts in Iraq and Syria have resulted in the largest relief program in which Open Doors has been involved. The conflict in Syria has resulted in nine million displaced people, with more than three million in refugee camps in Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq. The humanitarian crisis is huge and the restoration of security to the region is the greatest challenge that the world has faced in recent times. In the midst of this human tragedy local Christians, supported by Open Doors, are bringing hope and encouragement to their communities. Peter Trott, from Open Doors, will speak at a meeting at the Baptist Church in Hamilton tomorrow at 6pm about the situation facing Christians in places like Syria, Iraq and Egypt. DVDs and other literature will be on sale after the meeting. Everyone is most welcome to attend expanding urban areas. “RACV received 3593 kangaroo-related claims, accounting for $15 million of the total $20 million paid to members as a result of animal collisions,” he said. “Overall, the cost of animal collision claims averaged $4481, but for the 66 claims involving cattle the average claim was much higher at $7468.” Mr Northey said motorists should slow down when travelling round bends and over crests as these could obscure animals that may have wandered onto the side of the road. “Motorists should also heed warning signs advising of animals in the area and of temporary circumstances such as cattle crossing roads,” he said. “It is pleasing that many members of the public report injured animals to relevant wildlife organisations. “RACV IS YOUR CHILD ABOUT TO FINISH YEAR 12? encourages motorists who find sick, orphaned or injured wildlife to call Wildlife Victoria on 1300 094 535 as soon as it is safe to do so.” Mr Northey advised that motorists should hold adequate comprehensive insurance coverage to ensure that costs associated with a collision recovered. are “Whether a collision happens on a country road, highway or urban street, colliding with an animal can put you and your family at risk and also prove costly if your vehicle needs repairing.” WINTER WARMERS Try our delicious Lamb Shanks, Western Parma, Beef or Chicken Schnitzel, Prawn & Scallop Fettucini, Szechuan Coated Duck then what about Sticky Date & Banana Pudding, Chocolate Brownie with Raspberry Coulis and Ice Cream T is is just part of our Menu T e Bandicoot Restaurant Open Monday - Saturday from 6pm Closed Public Holidays Bookings preferred - Please phone 5572 1688 152 Ballarat Road, Hamilton www.swtafe.vic.edu.au | 1300 648 911 JUST GET A JOB! 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